Photo: Modern Classic Rides
Volkswagen has produced three distinct iterations of the ubiquitous Beetle (aka Type 1), counting the incredible original, the New Beetle reimagining, and the bland successor that lived through the past decade. The company is now moving toward greener pastures with an emphasis on electric cars, crossovers, and SUVs - but we say there’s also missed opportunity that someone smartly explored.
That would be to reshape the Beetle into a recreational vehicle with ample loading space... Yes, we know it’s wishful thinking, but this project has a big cool factor if one embraced it with an open mind. After all, it’s a small three-door hatchback that’s been converted to a pickup and also features a pop-up camper...
It’s the work of a small company called Modern Classic Rides Inc., which seemingly counts on the imagination and sedulous abilities of just one person if we read their description right: “a successful entrepreneur and business owner for over 30 years, Steve Goodfellow has returned to his lifelong passion - building the cars and trucks he always wanted.”
By that we also gather it’s a personal project, not necessarily something that was specifically built to order. And you can certainly call it whacky because his other works have to do with a 1966 Pontiac Catalina Convertible or a long-wheelbase AC Cobra replica with upgraded Ford 408 crate engine, among others.
Back to the Beetle at hand, we’re left in a world of mysteries as to what exactly has changed aside from the obvious pickup conversion and camper on top of the bed. There’s no actual info attached to the black bug, and the MCR Inc. website actually talks about two different Beetle pickup conversions – one with an electric powertrain and another with the much chagrined 1.9 TDI diesel.
Anyways, this Beetle pickup with a small camper looks like the perfect alternative to a big and chunky motorhome that would need its own garage next to the one you already have for the daily driver.
It also looks very efficient – we can see from the photos the tent structure is large enough for a couple of adults when in use. It’s also neatly folded away for actual camping, while the bed space underneath remains fully accessible.
It’s the work of a small company called Modern Classic Rides Inc., which seemingly counts on the imagination and sedulous abilities of just one person if we read their description right: “a successful entrepreneur and business owner for over 30 years, Steve Goodfellow has returned to his lifelong passion - building the cars and trucks he always wanted.”
By that we also gather it’s a personal project, not necessarily something that was specifically built to order. And you can certainly call it whacky because his other works have to do with a 1966 Pontiac Catalina Convertible or a long-wheelbase AC Cobra replica with upgraded Ford 408 crate engine, among others.
Back to the Beetle at hand, we’re left in a world of mysteries as to what exactly has changed aside from the obvious pickup conversion and camper on top of the bed. There’s no actual info attached to the black bug, and the MCR Inc. website actually talks about two different Beetle pickup conversions – one with an electric powertrain and another with the much chagrined 1.9 TDI diesel.
Anyways, this Beetle pickup with a small camper looks like the perfect alternative to a big and chunky motorhome that would need its own garage next to the one you already have for the daily driver.
It also looks very efficient – we can see from the photos the tent structure is large enough for a couple of adults when in use. It’s also neatly folded away for actual camping, while the bed space underneath remains fully accessible.
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